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The 2013 Dodge Charger has been approved by NASCAR for the Sprint Cup Series season. Photo by LAT Photographic

NASCAR approves 2013 cars for Sprint Cup Series competition

July 29, 2012

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Done deal. Based on wind-tunnel data from a July 18 test, all four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series manufacturers have met their aerodynamic targets and are ready to race in 2013, the sanctioning body announced Monday.

Accordingly, the 2013 Ford Fusion, the Chevrolet SS, the Dodge Charger and the Toyota Camry are ready to hit the track for testing in preparation for their debuts in February's season-opening Daytona 500. With the aero targets met, manufacturers can now begin to make parts and pieces for the new cars.

“We commend the manufacturers and our team at the R&D center on all the hard work they've put into this new car,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition. “With all the designs and surface areas of the car now approved, manufacturers can now move forward with building the components needed to outfit their cars.

“The wind-tunnel testing we've had with the manufacturers over the past several months has given us the timely and necessary data we needed to come to this confirmation. We believe the new car is going to be a milestone opportunity for our sport, one that our fans will embrace.”

Indeed, without exception, the new cars that will debut next year represent a return to greater brand identity than that offered by the generation of race cars that preceded them.

Ford, Toyota and Dodge already have revealed their 2013 models. Chevrolet has released only a camouflaged version of its SS, which is based on the Australian-built rear-wheel-drive Holden Commodore.

Jamie Allison, Ford racing director, said that the approval is a big step for the manufacturers who are determined to give the sport a new look next season.

“This is a monumental moment for the sport, for the fans and for us as a company with our participation in NASCAR,” Allison said. “The fans have clamored for the return of cars that look like cars in their driveways, and NASCAR, alongside us as manufacturers, have listened to that request.”

“We are very proud of all the hard work and collaboration between NASCAR and the OEMs that was completed with the submission test, and now we are ready to go forward with the new face of NASCAR that is the 2013 Fusion. . . .

“Ultimately, we all wanted to make sure that although the cars would all look different than on the track, we retained the competitiveness that exists today. Consequently, that required trust, collaboration, and adhering to a specified target set by NASCAR. While we are focused on the rest of the season, we are very excited about what is upon us for 2013.”